The courses listed here do not comprise all of the Environmental Studies required and elective courses, many of which are listed under the departments that teach them. For more information about Environmental Studies courses and requirements see the program’s web site at www.temple.edu/cla/es.
Students must complete English 0802 or English 1002 (C050) or its equivalent before signing up for courses numbered 2000 and above. In general, students should try to take 2XXX-3XXX courses before those numbered 4XXX and above. Unless otherwise noted, students must take at least one ES course (or ES–based GenEd course based in ES), or two social science courses before enrolling in a 2XXX level course; two ES courses or four of any social science courses before enrolling in a 3XXX level course; and three ES courses or six of any social science courses before enrolling in a 4XXX level course. Students without the necessary prerequisites may request special permission from the instructor.

General Education

0842. Sustainable Environments (3 s.h.) RCI: GS.

Americans account for over a quarter of all fossil fuel consumption, own more cars than there are licensed drivers, and build new homes 40 percent larger than they did in 1975, despite shrinking household size. We feel for the pandas and polar bears, while contributing mightily to global climate change, resource inequity, and ecosystem destruction. How do we reckon with environmental crises at multiple scales, from the neighborhood to the atmosphere and oceans? “Think globally, act locally” environmentalists admonish us! Direct our vast human ingenuity and collective spirit toward technologies and behaviors that bring peace with the planet. Course mission: enhance your capability to make informed choices, based on a sound understanding of the ecological, technological, economic, political, and ethical dimensions of environmental sustainability.

Note: This course fulfills a Science & Technology (GS) requirement for students under GenEd and Science & Technology Second Level (SB) for students under Core.

Students cannot receive credit for this course if they have successfully completed EES/Geology 0842 or GUS 0842.

Lower Division Courses

1051. Environment and Society (3 s.h.) F S. RCI: IN.

(Formerly: EVRN ST C050.)

Cross Listed with Geography & Urban Studies 1051 (C050).

This course emphasizes the human dimensions of the relationship between societies and their natural environments. Students will be introduced to those ecological principles that are necessary to understand cultural, social, political, and economic questions at a variety of geographic scales. The course will consider several global, national, and local issues such as siting of noxious
facilities, land use conflicts, equality of access to resources, and environmental justice.

Note: This course can be used to satisfy the university Core Individual & Society (IN) requirement. Although it may be usable towards graduation as a major requirement or university elective, it cannot be used to satisfy any of the university GenEd requirements. See your advisor for further information.

1052. Introduction to the Physical Environment (4 s.h.) F S. RCI: SB.

(Formerly: EVRN ST C052.)

Cross Listed with Geography & Urban Studies 1052 (C052).

An environmental approach to the study of earth as a globe, earth-sun relations, weather, climate, vegetation, soils, and the hydrosphere. Abundantly illustrated by slides and films, this course brings to life the causal connections among climate, vegetation, and soils. Natural and human-induced climate change, groundwater and surface water management, and soil erosion are among the environmental problems covered. The laboratories provide hands-on experience on most topics.

Note: This course can be used to satisfy the university Core Science & Technology Second Level (SB) requirement.

1951. Honors Environment and Society (3 s.h.) F S. RCI: HO.

(Formerly: EVRN ST H090.)

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and special authorization for non-Honors students.

Cross Listed with Geography & Urban Studies 1951 (H090).

This course emphasizes the human dimensions of the relationship between societies and their natural environments. Students will be introduced to those ecological principles that are necessary to understand cultural, social, political, and economic questions at a variety of geographic scales. The course will consider several global, national, and local issues such as siting of noxious facilities, land use conflicts, equality of access to resources, and environmental justice.

Upper Division Courses

2051. The Urban Environment (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: EVRN ST 0150.)

Prerequisite: One GUS course or two social sciences courses or permission of the instructor.

Cross Listed with Geography & Urban Studies 2051 (0150).

This course examines the interactions between theory, policy, and the urban environment. Students have the opportunity to study the urban environment not only as a physical landscape or natural ecosystem, but also as a constructed landscape shaped by local, regional and global social, economic and political processes. The course addresses issues that continue to challenge urban society, including environmental injustice and racism, degradation of local environmental quality, the impact of local-global relationships on community-scale environments and the commodification of nature.

2157. Environmental Ethics (3 s.h.)

Cross Listed with Philosophy 2157.

A study of the ethical dimensions of several contemporary environmental controversies. The course examines the major theoretical approaches to environmental ethics, including human-centered (anthropocentric), animal-centered (zoocentric), and nature-centered (biocentric and ecocentric) value systems, as well as the most important critiques of these ethical approaches. The course will also address specific issues such as biodiversity and wilderness preservation; human use of animals as food, entertainment, and research subjects; environmental racism and toxic dumping; sustainable development, population and consumption.

2596. Philosophical Perspectives on the Environment (3 s.h.) RCI: WI.

(Formerly: EVRN ST W156.)

Cross Listed with Philosophy 2596 (W156).

Just as the question of the relationship of the individual to society is a perpetual concern, so is the
question of the relationship of the individual (and society) to the natural environment. This course
addresses this latter question. Issues of environmental ethics will constantly be lurking behind the
scenes even when not directly at issue. A dominant theme will be the concept of nature itself. It
has undergone some amazing changes during its remarkable history, and these will be explored
especially from the point of view of recent feminist thinking.

3000. Special Topics in Environmental Studies (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: EVRN ST 0280.)

Variable offerings on special topics that are not part of the standard roster of courses. Check with the
Environmental Studies office and/or web site (www.temple.edu/cla/es) for details on Special Topics courses.

3001. Earth Ethics (3 s.h.) F S.

Cross Listed with Religion 3001 (0304).

What ethical relationship do human beings have to the natural world? What cultural and religious values, conceptions, and assumptions have shaped human interactions with the environment? Through also examining practical issues such as sustainability, technology, and urban living, students will assess individual life-styles and alternative visions of the good life on planet Earth.

3025. Environmental Law and Regulation (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: EVRN ST 0225.)

This course analyzes how our society protects (or fails to protect) the environment through law
and regulation. Students will examine and compare several U.S. environmental laws that are
designed to redress environmental damage and to protect the environment. In doing so, they will
analyze the relative costs and benefits of various forms of environmental regulation within the
context of the American political, administrative, and legal systems. The course focuses on U.S.
environmental law, but will also consider the increasingly important field of international
environmental law and agreements.

How are environmental policies formulated and implemented in the U.S.? Topics include the role
of citizen participation in decision-making, the place of environmental impact assessment,
environmental justice and equity, intergovernmental relations, and environmental obligations of
the U.S. toward less developed countries.

Japan is used as an introduction and model for examining environmental issues in several East
and Southeast Asian countries. Emphasis is on deforestation, river basin development, urban
planning, ecotourism, and the role of non-governmental organizations.

Vital nonrenewable resources are identified and their global and North American distribution,
character, and utilization studied. Special attention to energy sources now in short supply and to
benign renewable sources for future needs.

3062. Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (3 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: EVRN ST 0262.)

Cross Listed with Geography & Urban Studies 3062 (0262).

This course teaches the theory and practical use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Major components of the course include vector and raster spatial data models and operations, including vector overlay and raster map algebra. At the end of the course students are expected to have an understanding of elementary GIS theory, working knowledge of a GIS software package, and the ability to develop GIS-based solutions to geographic modeling and analysis tasks.

This course looks at the interaction between human and ecological systems and economic development. We begin with a historical overview of the impact of human communities on the environment. We then shift attention to the environmental impacts of European expansion from the 1600s to the present. In the final section of the course we examine specific cases that highlight the ideas discussed previously. The cases focus on settlement systems, environmental factors and conflict, sustainable systems, vulnerability, water issues, etc. This course requires active participation.

3152. U.S. Environmental Policy (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: EVRN ST 0152.)

Cross Listed with Political Science 3152 (0152).

An analytical examination of the development and execution of governmental policies in such
areas as air and water pollution control, control of atomic energy, and planning of space
exploration program.

A series of practical, topical courses which deal with aspects of archaeological fieldwork and laboratory analysis. The topic or focus of the course varies by semester and includes: field methods; ceramic analysis; lithic analysis; soils and stratigraphy.

Mode: Seminar and experiential learning.

3175. Heritage Management in Archaeology (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: EVRN ST 0205.)

Cross Listed with Anthropology 3175 (0205).

The United States and other governments of the world have legal mandates to manage cultural
resources on behalf of the public. This course focuses on the archaeological component of cultural
resources management in the United States and its linkage with environmental and developmental
planning. Participants are given a working knowledge of how the system works, and how to
work within it as a professional through a series of readings, classroom discussions, and
hands-on exercises. Topic coverage includes: relevant legislation; the phased approach to
archaeological and historical research; state and federal review procedures; proposal writing;
interacting with clients, native peoples, and the public; professional ethics and standards. The
nature of heritage management in other countries is considered for comparative purposes and as
a way of illuminating the historical, socio-economic, and legal factors that have shaped the practice
in the United States.

Note: This course helps to satisfy topical requirements in the Anthropology major and the Environmental Studies major.
Mode: Seminar.

Techniques and concepts of field archaeology. Students will be expected to spend the greatest part of the session in the field during the excavation of prehistoric and historic sites.

Mode: Fieldwork and experiential learning.

3214. North American Environmental History (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: EVRN ST 0177.)

Cross Listed with History 3214 (0177).

This course examines the interactions between human societies and the natural world in North America. That relationship is complex: the environment both reflects people’s influences and affects human history. Through lectures, readings, and discussion, participants in this course will examine this reciprocal relationship. Issues to be discussed in the course include Native American management of the environment; the effects of the European ecological invasion; resource exploitation in the industrial era; the foundations of the preservationist and conservationist movements at the beginning of the 20th century; the evolution of 20th century environmentalism; and the historical context of current environmental problems.

3265. International Environmental Policy (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: EVRN ST 0265.)

Cross Listed with Political Science 3265.

International negotiations and agreements on environmental problems, and comparisons of domestic environmental policymaking among selected countries. Special attention to negotiations on atmospheric and oceanic policies, international regulation of nuclear materials, and environmental aspects of international trade agreements.

3511. Sociology of the Environment (3 s.h.)

Cross Listed with Sociology 3511 (0210).

In the first half of the course, we will focus on the interaction among four components: population size, social organization, environmental conditions and available technology. We will consider issues such as the relationships among the technology of farming, the volume of agricultural production and the availability of labor for economic development. We will also learn about “input-output” models focusing on the intensity of resource use as well as problems of waste management. In the second half of the course, we will concentrate on issues of social organization. What kinds of political arrangements do we see for the management of waste? How does the transfer of natural resources from resource-rich but economically underdeveloped countries to the United States and other industrial societies affect the social, economic and political arrangements of both groups of countries? Finally, we will address the question of whether the social will can be organized in such a way as to reduce the pressure on the environment and remaining natural resources.

After surveying the elements of energy and ecology, and reviewing the basics of economics, this course investigates the interaction of the three. Each of the major nonrenewable and renewable energy sources is examined in light of its “eco-feasibility”. The potential of energy conservation is examined, and the need for energy/environmental/economic (3-E) policy is debated. Some speculations about future 3-E scenarios are offered, as the U.S. and the rest of the world face their energy, ecological, and economic problems.

3900. Honors Special Topics (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: EVRN ST H394.)

Variable Honors offerings on special topics that are not part of the standard roster of courses. Check with the Environmental Studies office and/or web site (www.temple.edu/cla/es) for details on Special Topics courses.

3904. Honors Earth Ethics (3 s.h.) RCI: HO.

Cross Listed with Asian Studies 3904, Religion 3904.

What is, or should be, our relation to the natural world? Especially since we are presently living in a modern urban environment, have we perhaps outgrown nature? Is it something we have mastered? Is it primarily a luxury of sorts that we can go to for periodic enjoyment or relaxation? On the other hand, why do we seem to be in a burgeoning environmental crisis? Is it just greed? Too many people? Insufficient technology? How did we get to where we are? Or more immediately--and perhaps deeply--what fundamental beliefs, attitudes, and values shape our everyday actions, how we perceive and use (or misuse) the earth? What creative alternatives can we find, and how can we apply them? In addressing these kinds of questions we will explore both Western and Asian ways of conceiving and interacting with the natural world, past and present. Our approach will also be interdisciplinary, including materials from art, film and literature, as well a range of academic disciplines.

Note: This is an University Honors course.

4015. The Geographic Basis of Land Use Planning (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: EVRN ST 0215.)

Prerequisite: A total of four courses in Geography & Urban Studies or Environmental Studies or permission of the instructor.

Cross Listed with Geography & Urban Studies 4015 (0215).

An examination of the forces that influence land use planning in and around American metropolitan
regions. Considers economic perspectives (land values), public interest perspectives (zoning
subdivision, housing and building codes, redevelopment and renewal programs, etc.), and social
perspectives of land use. Also examines separately housing, commercial locations, and industrial
development.

This course provides a synthesis of the social and natural dimensions of disasters. Students become familiar with the concept that disasters emerge when the specific characteristics of hazards (e.g. volcanoes, droughts, floods, tsunamis) intersect with social vulnerability (e.g. class, race, gender). Case studies from around the world are used to elaborate and explore this concept.

This course addresses the broad themes of political ecology as an academic discipline as well as a set of theoretical and methodological tools. Historically political ecology has focused on the rural developing world, but more recent work has branched out into environmental justice and resource use in industrialized societies. The course covers the concepts that have distinguished political ecology from other types of analysis like cultural and human ecology. It also introduces students to the construction of theory including a consideration of space, scale, justice, feminism, property, and nature. Finally, the course presents students with diverse case studies that may include topics like resource use, mining, bio-prospecting, forestry, conservation, fisheries, “sustainable” development, and eco-tourism.

4071. Medical Geography (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: EVRN ST 0239.)

Cross Listed with Geography & Urban Studies 4071 (0239).

Medical geography applies concepts and methods from the discipline of geography to study medical and health related events and topics. Medical geography has a close disciplinary tie with epidemiology, biostatistics, medical ecology and medical anthropology, but it is differentiated by its focus on the spatial distributions of health/medical related events. By focusing on geographic scale and the location of health events we can more accurately account for data variability and provide a more accurate representation of a population’s health. Throughout the course, we will examine numerous examples of how geographic scale and measurement can influence study results or how health resources or events appear to be distributed. The class will provide a broad introduction to medical geography touching on the topics of disease ecology, geographical information systems for public health, disparities in health and healthcare, and various methods and data sources for analyzing health/medical data.

4082. Independent Study: Environmental Studies (1 to 3 s.h.) SS.

(Formerly: EVRN ST 0295.)

Duplicate Course: This course can only be counted one time for Environmental Studies elective
credit.
Directed reading and research on a specific topic in Environmental Studies agreed to by student
and faculty member.

4085. Internship: Environmental Studies (3 s.h.) SS.

(Formerly: EVRN ST 0290.)

Cross Listed with GUS 4085.

This course is offered both fall and spring semesters to accompany on-the-job training with local consulting firms, planning agencies, private companies, non-profits, and various state, local and federal agencies of government, mostly but not exclusively in the Philadelphia metro area. Students will apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired in array of both natural and social science courses to address some the major environmental challenges on local, regional, and international scales. Students need to arrange their own positions, usually after consulting with the department’s internship coordinator. The search for a placement should start several months in advance of the semester or summer session when the internship will take place. The course is available to GUS/ES majors only.
Duplicate Course: This course can only be taken once for credit.

Specific environmental problems, especially in the Philadelphia area. Students acting as research
teams seek better understanding of such problems and practical solutions to them.

4117. Seminar in Environmental Archaeology (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: EVRN ST 0317.)

Cross Listed with Anthropology 4117 (0317).

This course introduces the student to the techniques and disciplines used in conjunction with archaeology to understand the environmental context and paleo-ecology of prehistoric cultures, as well as the nature of the archaeological record itself. Included in this survey are geology, soil and sediment analysis, geomorphology, palynology, ethnobotany and general floral analysis, phytolith analysis, zooarchaeology, and the analysis of blood and other residues found on artifacts. The range of contributions possible from interdisciplinary research will be explored in addition to how to design such research, how to communicate with specialists in other fields, and how to use existing sources of data to solve archaeological problems.

Students engage in research projects, either as individuals or part of a team. Seminar meetings
are devoted to analysis of a small set of readings, common discussion of research issues, and
preparation for life beyond the baccalaureate.

Note: Open only to Environmental Studies students.

4297. Social History of American Medicine (3 s.h.) RCI: WI.

(Formerly: EVRN ST W258.)

Cross Listed with History 4297 (W370).

This course in the history of public health examines the shifting boundaries between public and private medicine, professional authority and personal responsibility, and prevention and therapy from the colonial period into the 20th century. Specific topics include epidemics, environmental concerns, occupational hazards, immigration, and ethnicity.

A survey of physiological and biochemical variability in human populations examined as a
function of environmental adaptation. Emphasis on the responses of different populations to
discernible environmental stresses.